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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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Marcus Freeman is entering his fifth full season as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2026.
Since taking over as the program leader in South Bend, Freeman has amassed a 43-12 overall record. The Fighting Irish have dropped just two games in each of the last two college football seasons.
Last year, Notre Dame opened up the season with back-to-back losses against the Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M Aggies. Freeman then coached the Fighting Irish through 10 straight victories to closeout the year, but they were ultimately snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee.
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During an appearance with "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday, Freeman was asked about the biggest lesson he's learned since taking over at Notre Dame.
"You're gonna lose," Freeman replied. "If I could give myself or any first-time head coach one bit of advice, it's you're going to lose. Embrace that. Use that. Use those failures and disappointments to make you better."
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"That's the thing I've learned," Freeman continued. "I hope we never have another loss as long as I'm the head coach of Notre Dame, but there's probably a good chance it's gonna happen. You have to embrace it."
Notre Dame will begin its 2026 schedule with a matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers on Sept. 6.
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